Transformation of the Design Studio in New Learning Spaces: Virtual Design Studio in Architecture Pedagogy

Abstract

With the outbreak of COVID-19 at the end of December 2019 in Wuhan, China from where it spread rapidly all over the world and subsequent declaration as pandemic by World Health Organisation on March 11, 2020 [1], the entire world came under strict lockdown. All sectors including education could continue to function only through internet using ICT tools. Like many educational institutions, architectural education, too, turned towards a ‘new normal’ – online classes but with its own problems as architecture programme is majorly dependent on the social studio setting, and hence, facing a major challenge[2]. Design Studio, a core component, relies on face-to-face interaction in a physical studio environment for constructive feedback [3]. Under this ‘new normal’, manual drafting and model making has been replaced with digital design platforms [4]. Therefore, in addition to software skills, students are required to develop their online presentation and organisational skills for showcasing design ideas [4-5].

Various researchers have conducted surveys amongst students and faculty members on the impact of online education and remote design education since the beginning of global lockdown in 2020. More than 65% were not satisfied with online design studio as faculty members had difficulty discussing ideas visually without hardware [6]. Kauser (2021) reports that teaching design studios online was not effective due to issues like plagiarism, increased stress levels, loss of student interest, reduced design quality, lack of access to resources, psychological and emotional challenges, and, lack of self-motivation [7]. 75% of faculty members support teaching theory subjects online but 65% felt that virtual design education was ineffective. It was reported that psychological, communication, privacy and time management issues were faced by the faculty members [8]. Other issues include malpractice during exams, lack of interaction [9], fixation on design, difficulty in emulating traditional studio environment, difficulty in creative discussion [10], reduced social connectivity and lack of peer support [4].

As solution to the issues addressed above, some of the researchers have suggested a few best practices. To list the same – For effective communication in virtual studio environments, one could use Miro, an alternative drawing and brainstorming software. To avoid malpractice during exams, open-book tests or project-based evaluation methods may be adopted [2]. Similarly, virtual field trips could improve student engagement and their overall interest [11]. Also, to maintain social connectivity during the period of social distancing, group assignments [12] and studio desk reviews [4] can stimulate peer-to-peer student interaction [2]. Amongst the digital technologies, Extended Realities (XR) like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR), could be integrated in digital learning to provide students with enhanced experience in the learning of both theory and studio subjects [2]. The benefits of these ER are improved spatial perception [10], safety and less expensive [12].

The review of literature reveals that hardly any such research has been conducted amongst the architecture colleges of India. This research proposes to take up the same to further it in the Indian context. The proposed hypothesis is –

“Conducting design studio online during the pandemic situation is the beginning of a new era for ‘Virtual Design Studio’ and is here to stay even after the pandemic situation is over.”

The main objectives of this research would be to get an understanding of difficulties faced by teachers and students of architecture institutions in India during the pandemic situation; to determine the teaching-learning methods preferred in the online design studio pedagogy as well as the effectiveness of online studio environment that replaces the physical studio; to measure the level of adaptation of digital technologies in online design studio teaching-learning process.